"Bottom line: this is the best Historical of 2012. If you read one Historical this entire year, even if you eschewed Historical in favor of another genre, you have to read Tempting the Bride."
— The Season

RAVES FOR RTH

"I knew by the end of chapter one, that this book would be one I would remember for a long time. In just that first chapter a well of emotion swelled up and closed the passage of my throat such that each subsequent page read triggered feeling."
— Dear Author

"Millie and Fitz’s marriage is one of the truest, most romantic, and most uplifting depictions I’ve read in a long, long time. And what can I say – Sherry Thomas rocks my world."--All About Romance

"I try to write balanced reviews, but sometimes I love a book so much that I feel as if I have to write with the brakes on to keep from overwhelming readers with my enthusiasm. That’s the way I felt writing this review. I highly recommend this book. And if I could say that with bands playing and flags flying to get your attention, I would."
— The Romance Dish

"Soul-searing, heartrending, and intensely romantic, this late Victorian historical takes the classic marriage-of-convenience theme to a refreshing new level."--Library Journal Starred Review

RAVES FOR HAN

"I find myself saying “OMG, I can’t believe how good this is” with one
part of my brain while the rest of it is saying “shut up and keep reading.” Needless to say,
this is an A read for me."
— Dear Author

"Certainly worth the anticipation and buzz it's receiving. The hero and heroine are both interesting, the conflict is compelling and intriguing, and the writing itself is fabulous. It's an all around win."--All About Romance

"This is a Very Good and Compelling Book and I had the hardest time putting it down, even in the midst of a week long party."
— Ramblings on Romance

"Thomas doesn't just enhance the genre, she enriches it with her intelligent characters, brilliant dialogue, innovative plot twists and amazing love stories. Reading her novels is a rare treat--an insight into the hearts and minds of all who dream."--Romantic Times Top Pick

RAVES FOR NQAH

"A beautifully written, deeply moving story of romantic renewal and moral repair set against the backdrop of a heartstopping journey across northwest India." — Racy Romance Reviews

"Thomas, who has made a name for herself with her exquisite use of language, deftly switches between past and present in this lyrically written, emotionally captivating story graced by beautifully developed, realistically flawed characters, clear motivation, and descriptions that make late Victorian India spring to life." — Library Journal

"Not Quite a Husband has everything I want from a romance (well, except a map ...): Delightful but flawed characters I love and can identify with, luscious prose, an interesting setting, and a romance that touches my heart. I can't recommend it enough, and am looking forward very much to Sherry Thomas's next book." — All About Romance Desert Isle Keeper Review

"Thomas has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to her wonderful storytelling and her unique ability to get into her characters' minds and our hearts." -- Romantic Times Top Pick

"NOT QUITE A HUSBAND is a perfect example of intense, compelling storytelling and Sherry Thomas is truly a gifted writer who kept me engaged in a story that was mesmerizing from start to finish." — Realms on Our Bookshelves

RAVES FOR PA

"So if you've worried (as I have) about the future of historical romance, just remember two words: Sherry Thomas. Readers, don't miss this one. It's a keeper and be very thankful that historical romance has a new, shining star." -- TheRomanceReader.com

Meredith's Books

RAVES FOR AYP

"The unusual setting and fascinating historical backdrop immediately
set Duran's latest novel apart; then she adds in-depth
characterization, intrigue and passion, drawing readers straight into
her unforgettable romance in texture and color, detailed and
absorbing, here is a novel to sink your teeth into."--RT Book Reviews Top Pick

"At Your Pleasure is another tale of lovers separated - by politics and
religion this time - but here the plot works beautifully, making the
latest Meredith Duran a real treat."--All About Romance

"Meredith Duran ingeniously blends a fictitious romance into this
turbulent period in English history, and the result is an
extraordinary story not easily forgotten."--Single Titles

"This is not an easy story but it is a wonderful one. I am sucker for a
romance novel that leaves the end uncertain until very late in the
story. I also love good history. Duran accomplishes both in a most
satisfying way. GRADE: A-"--Smart Bitches Trashy Books

"Meredith Duran makes At Your Pleasure memorable with her beautiful prose. This story features a fabulous romance and an outstanding plot that amps up the drama. At Your Pleasure is historical writing at its finest."--Joyfully Reviewed

RAVES for ALLIS

"The fascinating and compelling characters, the vivid imagery and dynamic prose, the wonderful romance - it was all I can ask of a romance. Meredith Duran just keeps getting better and better."--All About Romance Desert Isle Keeper Review

"Well-developed lead characters and a perceptive portrayal of a poor woman's reaction to the lush lifestyle of the nobility highlight a top-notch romance...."--Publishers Weekly

"Watching Simon and Nell being transformed by the wonder of love touched me in the deepest corners of my heart and reminded me of how beautifully Meredith Duran creates an emotionally intense love story."--The Romance Dish

RAVES for WICKED

"Meredith Duran has thrown down the gauntlet: Wicked Becomes You is the book to beat for best historical romance this year...Sexy, inventive, and riveting, it's a book that's hard to put down and a joy to read."--All About Romance

"Witty, often hilarious, sensuous, and breathlessly paced, Duran's engaging, mystery-enhanced escapade sweeps its charmingly matched protagonists across the continent, in and out of danger, and eventually into each other's arms."--Library Journal

"TOP PICK! Duran fulfills readers; needs for romantic stories,original characters, and delightful plotlines. There's so much fun tobe had in her latest tale featuring a good girl who wants to be bad and the bad boy who wants her; it's charming and deliciously sensual from beginning to end."--Romantic Times Top Pick

RAVES for WOYS

"Easily one of the best books I’ve read in a long while…Run, not walk to [the] nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Written on Your Skin. My grade (one I’ve managed to talk myself into in the course of
writing this review): A+."--Dear Author

"Elegant prose and a deeply satisfying romance, the perfect combination. This is another fantastic book by Meredith Duran. I am now officially a fan girl."--Book Smugglers

"Dark, poignant and all consuming…a must read for 2009 and perhaps one of the best historicals of this decade."--Babbling about Books

"WRITTEN ON YOUR SKIN is absolutely everything a great historical romance should be. I was completely entranced from the very first page."--Romance Junkies

RAVES for BBYT

"Technically masterful as well as being a great love
story. I think it’s a book in which I would find new layers and
meaning each time I read it." -- Dear Author

"Everything here - characters, plotting, love story - is just so well put together and enjoyable that I have to give it my enthusiastic recommendation; there's no question. If you have been wallowing in romance novel ennui, go out and pick this one up." --
All About Romance Desert Isle Keeper Review

"Sophisticated, beautifully written and utterly romantic." -- Book Smugglers

"A story that carries a powerful punch.... Readers need to make room on their keeper shelf for the books of the talented Ms. Duran." --Fresh Fiction

"Bound by Your Touch exceeded all my expectations and more. I bow down to Meredith Duran and her expertise at writing a book that makes me want to read it all over again." -- Fallen Angel Reviews

RAVES for DOS

"I keep trying to think of how to express the superlatives that went through my mind reading it… We speak of the Golden Age of Romance, of Putneys and Gaffneys and Ivorys as if it’s something we’ll never see again. Your book makes me think we’re wrong." --Jan, Dearauthor.com

"It has been many years since a novel has touched me and moved me to tears the way THE DUKE OF SHADOWS did… This is without a doubt the best historical romance I have read this year -- and I’ll go so far as to say that it’s the best one I’ve read in the last five years." --Romance Reviews Today

"Duran's fascinating, emotionally intense first novel will certainly captivate those seeking a unique setting and unconventional characters. With their strong sense of honor and passionate beliefs, her characters leap from the pages." -- Romantic Times, 4.5 stars

"Duke of Shadows is an excellent debut from an author who is going to leap right onto many “must-buy” lists. With its combination of engrossing story and emotion-packed romance, this is a guaranteed page-turner and a book to savor."--The Romance Reader

How did I miss this? Bettie Sharpe’s LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT has been out in print, as part of an anthology, since the very end of 2008.

I wrote a combined review for EMBER and LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT January last at Dear Author. It’s not very often that I exhort readers to support a certain author, but I think a special case should be made for Bettie. Cuz she is just too awesome a talent. And for selfish reasons, I want her to get a lot of money from her writing so that she needs to do nothing but write. For my enjoyment.

I haven’t seen the book in the stores yet–not that I was particularly looking for it–but you can get it from Amazon here.

I wish I could pimp it more at Dear Author, but as Bettie and I are becoming friends and crit partners, I’ll restrict myself to pimping it on your blog. And add my voice to your “for selfish reasons, support Bettie” exhortation.